Utah governor signs bill to bolster aeronautics fund

Utah governor signs bill to bolster aeronautics fund

The aviation community’s efforts have paid off. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., on March 17 signed a bill, H.B.365, which directs more of Utah’s aviation-related revenue into the aeronautics fund.

The good news is the new law doesn’t change the amount of tax paid by pilots, but more of that money will be used to build, improve, and maintain the state’s public-use airports. More money will also be available to match state and federal grants for airport improvement projects.

“Allocating money generated by aviation to aviation use just makes sense,” said Stacy Howard, AOPA western regional representative. “By putting more money into the aeronautics fund, without increasing the tax burden on pilots, Utah is ensuring the health of its air transportation system.”